The GofaG Guide to NYC Outdoor Screenings

by NATASHA STORER · June 4, 2010

    New Yorkers love their movies! New Yorkers also love warm weather! GofaG is here to help you combine the two - with our comprehensive guide to all the best spots in NYC to watch a new hit flick or sentimental favorite.

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    Summer Movie Series at Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

    One of the coolest ideas for movie watching, is to do it Ice-Man/Goose/Maverick style on board the Intrepid on the Westside Highway.

    Their movie sessions kicked off last Friday with the very appropriate, Top Gun. But, don't despair, other flicks, such as: Field of Dreams, Ghostbusters, The Goonies, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Rocky are scheduled for June 19, July 9, July 23, Aug 6 and Aug 20 respectively.

    You can bring you own lawn chairs, picnic baskets and blankets, but boo-hoo, no booze permitted.

    Doors open at 7.30pm, with films beginning at sunset, weather permitting. All movies are FREE.

    Summer Film Festival at Bryant Park

    The stalwart outdoor movie love affair is back! Starting June 21 with Goldfinger, Bryant Park will continue to showcase all your nostalgic favorites on Monday nights throughout Summer. We mostly look forward to some New York classics, such as The French Connection (July 5) and Rosemary's Baby (August 2).

    The lawn opens at 5pm, with most rushing straight from work in order to secure a spot prior to films starting at dusk (usually somewhere between 8-9pm).

    All movies are FREE.

    Brooklyn Bridge Park's Movies With A View

    The most scenic and New Yorky way to watch movies is back for an 11th year. What better way than watching a movie with the always impressive Brooklyn Bridge serving as a backdrop.

    A diverse range of films are chosen each year, with each proceeded by short films and DJ before the lights (ahem, the Sun) goes dim. Our pick is the only New York set film of the bunch (from quintessential neurotic New Yorker Woody Allen) Annie Hall, being shown on July 8.

    Starting July 8, movies are held each Thursday until the first week of September. All movies are FREE.

    Rooftop Films

    For the alternative film going public, there is Rooftop Films, which showcases a variety of underground movies, almost all of which are New York, U.S or World Premieres.

    This year there are more than 20 feature films being shown (with the program already having started) and 150 short films.

    Venues vary across different aesthetic rooftops, with a large majority being shown in Lower East Side (New Design High School) and various venues in Brooklyn.

    Movies are shown over the weekends until end of Summer. Tickets can be purchased online http://www.rooftopfilms.com/.

    River Flicks for Grown Ups

    Wednesday's on Pier 54 overlooking the Hudson, you can re-watch the biggest and best blockbusters from 2009. Better than renting the DVD we say!

    Movies run from July 7 - August 18, kicking off with what will no-doubt be crowd favorite The Hangover. However, we will be waiting for Star Trek on August 18 - as what better way to watch a film set in outer space than under the stars!

    River Flicks for Kids

    Complementing the grown-up program, Hudson River Park's Pier 46 hosts a children's program of movies on Friday nights from July 9 - August 20.

    Being big kids ourselves, we look forward to New York kid classics Big (August 6) and Annie (August 20). As long as the sun will stay out for that one.

    Both Hudson River Park programs are FREE and have FREE popcorn (bonus!).

    Summer Screen

    Summer Screen showcases cult classics at the ball fields at McCarren Park in Brooklyn.

    The theme of this years movies is adolescent crushes and idols: Cusack (Say Anything) , Bowie (Labryinth), DiCaprio (Romeo & Juliet), Depp (Dead Man) and Keanu/Swayze (Point Break) all feature with films running Wednesday's July 7- August 11.

    With happy hour beer specials, taco's and live music - this is the outdoor movie festival for all the urban hipsters in Brooklyn (and those Downtown Manhattanites who are happy to brave the L).

    Gates open at 6pm, films start at dusk. All films are FREE.

    For a look at the outdoor movie options in D.C (including drive-in's.. ah, the nostalgia!) be sure to check out our Washington D.C Guide too!